An Alabama judge has declared the law banning teacher-student sex is unconstitutional, dismissing the charges against a teacher and teacher’s aide accused of having sex with their students. According to defense attorneys, the 17-year-old law “violates teachers’ equal protection right under the 14th Amendment, because it treats teachers and other school employees differently than other citizens.”

This is unacceptable. Not only does this claim try to create excuses for unlawful behavior and statutory rape, but there is a reason teachers are held under closer scrutiny. Teachers hold a position of authority over their students, and for them to engage in sex with their students is abuse of that authority and power, regardless of the student’s consent in the matter. Even in the case of college-age students, who are legal adults, it is still an abuse of power.

A teacher’s job is to educate, not to violate. Whether or not the student consents is not the issue; sex between an adult and a minor is and should be illegal, especially in the case of an adult who holds authority over the minor. Sign this petition to keep the ban on student-teacher sex as a constitutional law.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Attorney General Marshall,

A judge in your state recently dismissed charges against a teacher and teacher’s aide accused of having sexual relations with their students, declaring the law on such relations “unconstitutional.” Defense attorneys claim that the law violates teachers’ 14th Amendment rights and treats them “differently,” when the law has been in place for a reason.

A teacher is a person of authority, and to have sex with a student is an abuse of that authority and power, whether or not the student consents. In the case of elementary and high schools, it is doubly immoral due to the students being legal minors. Abuse of adult authority is never acceptable.

I urge you to declare this law banning teacher-student relationships constitutional. It is vital to the well-being of students all across the state. Do not allow the judge or the defense to undermine the importance of this law.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Rivers Langley

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